In this new year, I will……….
- Learn to take one hour out of each day just for myself to read, enjoy a hot bath, journal my thoughts or call a friend.
- Attend at least one caregiver support group to realize that I am not alone and that I can learn from others.
- See my doctor for a physical exam and give my own health needs more priority.
- Use respite care at least once a month so that I may get a break and be refreshed. I will consider using the time I have to discover the benefits of massage therapy, the joy of a musical concert, self expression in a painting class or a day at the spa to find stress relief.
- Eat a balanced diet and exercise at least 20 minutes three times a week even if all I can do is walk around the house, up and down the stairs or exercise from a chair.
- Seek out one new resource to support my caregiver role such as chore services, housekeeping, home care programs or delivered meals.
- Try to find a way to laugh or find humor in the day amidst the sadness or discouragement I may feel.
- Reach out to my family and friends to help with my loved one so that the weight of my responsibility can be lifted and shared. One way I can do this is to keep a list of needs handy so that when help is offered, I can be ready with an answer.
- Seek spiritual support or personal counseling to gain perspective of my life, clarity of my role and keep my mental health in check.
- Finally, by focusing on these resolutions, I will be able to reap the rewards of caregiving, maintain balance in my life and provide care longer for my loved one.
Reprinted with permission from: Copyright 1995-2010 Today’s Caregiver magazine
http://www.caregiver.com/articles/holiday/caregivers_newyears_resolution.htm
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